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Translation Initiative
Hanh Dinh
Nursing Student, University of South Australia, SA
Article Text
When I came into the unit for clinical placement, I read the list of clients and their assigned beds. I hoped that I would be assigned to the client with the Vietnamese surname, but no one event told me that there was a Vietnamese client on the unit. When I asked if I could be assigned to this client I was told, 'There's nothing to do for her. She has no medications and is going to theatre soon'. Later, I learned that this client was fifty-eight years old and she was to have an axillary lymph node biopsy the next day.
Even though this client was not assigned to me, I went into her room and introduced myself in Vietnamese. I called her 'Auntie' because in Vietnam people are not addressed by their surname. I explained that I was a student nurse doing my clinical placement on this unit and told her 'If you need any help, call me. I can interpret for you. If you don't see me, just ring for the nurse and the nurse will find me.' I explained that I would return after I had cared for my clients.
'I'm lucky to have you,' Auntie told me. 'I've been anxious because I can't talk to the nurses. My children work and can't be with me all the time. They will be happy and relieved to know that you can help me talk with the nurses.'
Before I went back to talk with Auntie, I quickly read her case-notes. A routine pre-operative urine test had not been done the night before because the 'client doesn't speak English'.
Although the nurse on the early shift did not ask me to help get the urine test, the nurse on the late shift did. Next time I won't wait to be asked to help. I will be proactive.
After taking care of my clients, I came back to talk to Auntie. She told me how she found the lump and I asked her about her health in general.
Before I left for the day, I gave Auntie a list of key phrases that I had written both in English and Vietnamese. When she needed to tell or ask the nurse something, she could point to the Vietnamese translation and the nurse could read the English version.
After I completed my clinical placement on that Unit, I developed a guide for Vietnamese speaking clients and English speaking nurses. I gave the guide, which was a larger version of the phrase sheet I had given Auntie, to the unit. The beginning paragraphs encourage clients to discuss their illness and treatments with the medical and nursing staff, briefly explains the nurse's role in Australian hospitals, and explains the use of the call bells. The remainder of the guide includes terms, statements and questions. They are written in English on one side of the page and then in Vietnamese on the other. Either the client or the nurse can point to what they want to say to each other. The client section is printed in bold face type to make it easier for the clients to read.
My experience with this client increased my confidence. I used my assessment skills to identify the needs of the clients and then used my language skills to decrease her anxiety and isolation. I answered her questions and helped her to feel safe. This experience has also enabled me to help clients I will never meet, because they will be able to use my speaking guide.
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